Vanderbilt Office of Annual Giving

Giving to the Annual Fund at Vanderbilt

Each year Vanderbilt relies on gifts to the Annual Fund from alumni, parents and friends to meet the immediate needs of our schools and programs. These gifts play a tremendous role in our ability to lead, discover and teach.

What is an annual fund gift?

Annual fund gifts are unrestricted contributions of any size, to any area of the Annual Fund, that are made on a yearly basis. These gifts are used to meet the immediate, day-to-day needs of our schools and programs.

Why are gifts needed every year?

Each academic year, our schools and programs have new needs that require support. Endowment gifts are earmarked for a specific use, while annual fund gifts provide funds that can be used by deans and administrators to address the most immediate needs and opportunities. Annual fund gifts sustain the Vanderbilt we know and love on a day-to-day basis and provide the foundation for future success.

What impact do annual fund gifts have?

Gifts of all sizes, to areas across Vanderbilt, combine to make a large impact and allow us to do things such as:

Diversify our student body by allowing students the chance to come to Vanderbilt and fulfill their lifelong dreams with scholarship support

Create new knowledge through innovative technologies and scientific discovery through funding for research and scientific leaders

Expand opportunities for students by investment in enhanced learning opportunities and living learning communities

What areas make up the Annual Fund?

Please consider making an unrestricted gift to one of these Annual Fund designations today.

AthleticsBlair School of MusicCollege of Arts and ScienceDivinity SchoolJean and Alexander Heard LibraryOwen Graduate School of ManagementPeabody College of education and human developmentSchool of EngineeringSchool of MedicineSchool of NursingVanderbilt Kennedy CenterVanderbilt Law School

If you have a donor advised fund, DAF Direct enables you to recommend grants to Vanderbilt University, directly from your DAF (as long as your DAF's sponsoring organization is participating). Learn more here.

Why I Give

“We give to Vanderbilt because of the extraordinary experience it is giving our son. A phenomenal education, outstanding professors, lifelong friendships and a desire to give back to his community. We couldn't ask for more. We look forward to our son being able to give back to Vanderbilt...forever.”

–Immy Mullin, Current Vanderbilt parent

“Vanderbilt gave me so much—an education, friends, work experience, mentors and lifelong memories. Attending Vanderbilt may not have been a reality for me and many of my peers without the generosity of alumni who gave back. I give so others can experience an amazing university that's there to support student development with every resource possible. I give so that Vanderbilt can continue to provide quality education to diverse populations with unique and meaningful perspectives. I give so that Vanderbilt continues to train and develop leaders who will positively impact and shape our world. Vanderbilt gave me so much, now it's my turn.”

–Nick Hall, BS’13

“As the parent of a student who was blessed to attend Vanderbilt, I feel that it is my family's responsibility to give back. I give back for several reasons. First, while attending Vanderbilt, my daughter received a quality education, both in and out of the classroom. Next, it is my hope that by putting something back, someone else will be able to receive the same quality education. Finally, it is my way of saying, ‘thanks’.”

-Leadrester Granger, Parent of Vanderbilt alumna

“I value the education I received at Vanderbilt as both an undergraduate and graduate student. I have always loved my university and have supported it as I could throughout the years. The friendships, the fun at sports events, the sorority activities, and alumni events are a cherished part of my life. Thanks so much!”

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Get Answers to Your Questions

We are always happy to hear from Vanderbilt alumni and friends. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. If the person or area you wish to contact is not below, please send general inquiries to giving@vanderbilt.edu.

Published by Development and Alumni Relations Communications, Vanderbilt University